Beyond generational labels in ministry
Adobe
ChatGPTThis table clarifies why "culture groups" describe people more accurately than generational labels.
Generational names, such as Boomers, Gen X. Millennials, Gen Z, etc. are broad stereotyples. And, many people find them too broad to be helpful. A better way is to describe the "sub-cultures" within each generation that you are addressing. Here is how Fuller Seminary professor Paul Hiebert classically defined a culture or sub-culture:
"Cultures" (or sub-cultures") are people who have common "behaviors, ideas and products."
They "talk alike, behave alike and can tell who is in their group and who is not."
Here are examples:
Category Definition (Hiebert) Examples Notes for Ministry / Cross-Cultural Work Behaviors Observable actions, customs, and practices within a culture Greetings, worship patterns, communication styles, family roles, punctuality, conflict habits These are the most visible and easiest to misunderstand. Missionaries often react to behavioral differences without seeing deeper causes. Ideas Beliefs, values, worldview, assumptions, logic systems Views of God, human nature, authority, time, sin, honor/shame, individual vs. community These shape why people behave as they do. Real transformation requires addressing ideas, not merely behaviors. Products Material and symbolic creations of a culture Art, music, architecture, technology, rituals, symbols, clothing Products often serve as access points for understanding deeper worldview assumptions encoded in material culture.
Table created by Cfar (Church Foresight Assistant & Researcher)
But when you should you use a mega-descriptor (Boomer, Gen. X, etc) and when should you use a more precise sub-culture?
#1 Mega-descriptors (Boomer, Gen. X, Gen, Y, Millennials, Gen. Z, Gen. Alpha) are useful when conducting a sermon or seminar that seeks to give a 10,000 foot understanding of generational differences, and where people from various cultures might attend.
#2 And, if you are addressing a specific group of people in a church or an church faction, it is better not to use stereotypical names, but rather answer the following question:
How does this group talk alike, behave alike, and can tell who is in their group and who is not?
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Bob Whitesel (D.Min., Ph.D.) is a foresight coach, professor, and award-winning author of 14 books. For over 30 years, he has guided leaders and churches to pivot and engage what’s next. He holds two earned doctorates from Fuller Theological Seminary and teaches on leadership foresight, church health, and organizational change. His website is www.ChurchForesight.com. Learn More » |
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